ANSWERS TO YOUR BIBLE QUESTIONS
Repentance
In our studies, we have been following a pattern of thought. Our first lesson revealed the need for salvation. Seeing what God had done for us made us realize the love of God. After realizing what God has done for us, what does the love of God do to an honest seeker of truth? For the answer to this, see the following lesson.
1. What leads us to repentance? Romans 2:4
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?Romans 2:4
When we stop and ponder all that God has done for us, it is hard to understand how we can continue in our old way of life. If we are truly grateful for what God has done for us as individuals (and collectively), this tells us that realization of God’s goodness leads us to repentance.
2. What did God tell Israel? Deuteronomy 32:29
O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!Deuteronomy 32:29
Wise is the man who will pause and consider his latter end! Many people have thought about what is going to happen to them, but they do not understand what God says will happen. We are to consider our fate, just as Israel was told.
3. What did Peter tell the people to do? Acts 2:37-38
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:37-38
The people realized they had committed a sin in putting Jesus (the Son of God) to death. They wanted to know what they should do. Peter said, “Repent...” If we are truly sorry for what we have done to God, we too will turn to Him in repentance.
4. Is repentance all that is necessary? Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.Acts 3:19
We must not only repent; we must also be converted. Convert means to change or to be made over. We must let God change our heart, our life. If it is truly a godly repentance, then we will have a desire to change our lives.
5. Who receives mercy? Proverbs 28:13
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.Proverbs 28:13
The person who tries to hide his or her mistakes (sins) shall never prosper in his relationship with God. But, not only are we to confess our sins, but we must forsake them. What would God think if I ask Him to forgive me for stealing and then tomorrow I steal again?
6. If we confess (repent), what will God do? 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.1 John 1:9
Some people believe that God could never forgive what they have done. But this passage says He will and we must believe Him; take Him at His Word. God will never lie to us. Read Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 6:18 and Titus 1:2.
7. What kind of sorrow should we feel? 2 Corinthians 7:8-10
For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
2 Corinthians 7:8-10
These Scriptures say that we should have a “godly sorrow”, a deep inner sorrow at having displeased our Father. When our Father sees that we are truly sorry for what we have done, then He will forgive and forget the sin.
8. What will God not despise? Psalms 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.Psalms 51:17
9. To whom is the LORD close? Psalms 34:18
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.Psalms 34:18
10. When are we to seek the LORD? Isaiah 55:6-7
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Isaiah 55:6-7
God said in Genesis 6:3, “…My spirit shall not always strive with man…” So while God is striving with us (trying to get us to change), we should turn and seek Him now.
11. How does the heavenly host feel toward a repentant sinner? Luke 15:7
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.Luke 15:7
SUMMARY
Even if we have never been too interested in the things of God in the past, He asks so little of us now. Repent. Tell Him we are sorry for what we have done in the past. If we have wronged others, go to them and make restitution, if it is possible. Then God will forgive us and we are clean in His sight. He will hold nothing against us.
Material from the book Answers to Your Bible Questions by Wesley Walker.
More info: http://BibleAnswers.press
